2006 Sportfishing Summit
October 2006 Business Meeting Report
ASA’s committees met during the 2006 Sportfishing Summit to discuss
issues relevant to the sportfishing industry and the business of the association.
A number of members and guests joined committee members to discuss a myriad
of topics.
The following are highlights of the committees’ discussions as reported
during the General Membership Meeting on Friday, October 20, 2006.
Communications Committee
The Board agreed to a recommendation to increase the registration fee for non-ASA
member Media-Sales ICAST attendees.
Consumer Show Committee
The Consumer Show Committee asked for increased participation and support by
ASA and its members in the consumer shows including: seek and obtain sponsorships;
improve the quality of booths at the shows; provide new product displays
and promotion of show specials; and diversify exhibits to include other outdoor
activities.
Data and Statistics Committee
The Data and Statistics Committee recommended that ASA continue with its practice
of surveying the membership every two years, as well as develop and implement
a smaller survey targeted at specific issues identified in the two-year survey
during the intervening years. The committee also recommended updating and
making available to members information about fishing participation once
the 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey is released in mid-2007.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee approved the ASA Fiscal Year 2007 Budget. The Board directed
ASA staff to examine the budget to find additional funds to support the Marine
Life Protection Act (MLPA) response.
Government Affairs Committee
The Board approved several courses of action for Government Affairs, placing
highest priority on the MLPA issue in California. Additionally, the Board
requested that ASA work with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses to explore the development
of model legislation that states may use to assure that their waterways remain
open to angling. Finally, the Board directed ASA to respond in writing to
the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society joint task force
on lead fishing sinkers.
The Government Affairs Committee also: approved a motion that ASA continue
its leadership role in the efforts regarding the Klamath River; requested that
ASA develop a position on the need for designating federal lands to wilderness
unless there is a scientific basis for the designation; and directed ASA to
build a relationship with the Customs and Counterfeiting federal agencies to
develop a resource for members.
Membership Committee
The Board approved that ASA develop a proposal for implementing an individual
angler membership non-voting category.
Manufacturers Division
The Committee requested that ASA target and recruit kayak and apparel companies
for membership.
Manufacturer Reps Division
The Committee requested that ASA develop a membership recruitment brochure
for reps that explains the benefits of being an ASA member.
Show Committee
The Show Committee reported to the Board that the size of the New Product Showcase
will be expanded in 2007. The Board approved that, pending a review of liability
issues, a limited selection of alcoholic beverages may be permitted in ICAST
exhibitor booths no earlier than one hour before show closing.
